As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka. (Photo: AFP/ANTHONY WALLACE) Kiwis ranging from heavily tattooed bikers to business executives, children and the elderly have lined up to perform the intimidating ceremonial dance which begins with fierce chants roughly translated as "I Live! I Die!" As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka - a dance whose origins lie with the indigenous Maori community but which has become a global symbol of New Zealand as the battle cry of its national rugby team, the All Blacks. The aggressive ritual and threatening histrionics may seem out of step with the sombre atmosphere gripping the nation after Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and avowed white supremacist, allegedly gunned down 50 Muslims during prayers last Friday (Mar 15). But the haka is not only meant to intimidate, but also to … [Read more...] about “I Live! I Die!”: New Zealand uses haka to heal after attacks
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40 dead in New Zealand mosque shootings
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Police officers cordon off the area close to the mosque after a gunman filming himself firing at worshippers inside in Christchurch on Friday. — AFP/VNA Photos Viet Nam News CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead on Friday, with one gunman - identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. Witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children also believed to be among those killed. "It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it marked "one of New Zealand’s darkest days". "From what we know, it does appear to have been well planned," she said, adding that in addition to the dead another 20 people were seriously injured. PM Ardern said that New Zealand’s threat level had been raised to "high" in response to the deadly … [Read more...] about 40 dead in New Zealand mosque shootings
New Zealand wildfire expected to burn for weeks
WELLINGTON: A large New Zealand wildfire is expected to burn for weeks longer but has moved away from some inhabited areas, allowing residents of an evacuated village to return home soon, firefighters said Monday (Feb 11). The main fire is believed to have been accidentally started by farm equipment. (AFP/Chad Sharman) About 3,000 inhabitants of Wakefield, just outside Nelson at the top of South Island, were ordered out Saturday as flames razed bushland within two kilometres of their homes. The fire erupted early last week amid scorching conditions in the heavily forested area and by early Monday had swept through an estimated 2,300ha. Fire chief John Sutton said that although conditions had eased, the blaze remained unpredictable and it was too early to say it was under control. "There's still an enormous amount of heat there and there's a lot of unburned areas," he told reporters. "So although we might be turning a corner, there will be firefighters working on that fire … [Read more...] about New Zealand wildfire expected to burn for weeks
145 whales die on remote New Zealand beach
The remote location of the stranding meant the whales that had not yet died had to be euthanised. — AFP/VNA PhotoViet Nam News WELLINGTON — Up to 145 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on a remote part of a small New Zealand island, authorities said on Monday. The stranding was discovered by a hiker late Saturday on Stewart Island, 30 kilometres off the southern coast of the South Island. Half of the whales were already dead and due to the condition of the remaining whales and the remote, difficult to access location, the decision was made to euthanise the remainder. "Sadly, the likelihood of being able to successfully re-float the remaining whales was extremely low," said Ren Leppens, the Department of Conservation’s operations manager on Stewart Island. "The remote location, lack of nearby personnel and the whales’ deteriorating condition meant the most humane thing to do was to euthanise. "However, it’s always a … [Read more...] about 145 whales die on remote New Zealand beach
6.7-magnitude quake jolts New Zealand’s remote islands, no tsunami alert
New Zealand GeoNet recorded that the quake occurred at 4:18 p.m. local time, with epicenter of 132 km below and 785 km away from Whakatane in north island. United States Geological Survey recorded the quake at 6.9 magnitude with epicenter of 111 km below. Ministry of Civil Defense of New Zealand said that based on current information, the initial assessment ruled out a subsequent tsunami threat after the quake. … [Read more...] about 6.7-magnitude quake jolts New Zealand’s remote islands, no tsunami alert